Harley-Davidson BREAKOUT – FXSB Full Specifications & Ownership Data

Engineering Highlight: The FXSB Breakout is a masterclass in modern geometry, uniquely engineered to replicate the ‘Gasser’ drag bikes of the 1950s. Unlike standard Softails, the Breakout features a specific 35-degree rake and a massive 240mm rear radial tire, necessitated by a wider swingarm and a specialized offset primary drive to maintain the bike’s centerline balance despite its extreme rear proportions.

Technical Overview: Twin Cam 103B Performance

The 2013-2017 Breakout is powered by the Twin Cam 103B engine, a counter-balanced iteration of the iconic V-Twin. This engine was specifically rigid-mounted to the frame to provide that visceral feedback riders expect, while the internal balancers negate the primary vibrations that would otherwise fatigue the chassis. With approximately 130 Nm of torque available at just 3,000 RPM, the FXSB provides immediate off-the-line acceleration, consistent with its drag-strip inspiration.

Maintenance Essentials & Fluid Dynamics

For the Editor-in-Chief’s recommended service interval, the FXSB demands high-viscosity protection. We mandate H-D 360 20W50. With a 2.8-liter dry capacity, ensuring the oil is checked at operating temperature is critical due to the Softail’s horseshoe oil tank design. Overfilling can lead to carry-over into the air cleaner, a common technical oversight in DIY maintenance.

Ignition health is maintained via 6R12 plugs. Our lab testing indicates that a precise gap of 0.97-1.09 mm is non-negotiable for the Ion Sensing Ignition system to accurately detect knock and adjust timing. Deviating from this gap often results in poor fuel economy and erratic idling.

Chassis and Contact Patch Integrity

The Breakout’s handling is defined by its staggered wheel setup. The 21-inch front wheel provides a large gyroscopic effect, while the 18-inch rear 240mm tire creates a unique ‘turn-in’ resistance. To mitigate uneven cupping, maintain a strict 36 psi in the front and 42 psi in the rear. Given the torque output, the rear 240/40R18 79V tire undergoes significant thermal stress; under-inflation will significantly degrade the sidewall integrity during high-speed cruising.

MotoSpecsLab Editorial Verdict

The Harley-Davidson FXSB Breakout is not merely a cruiser; it is a specialized piece of industrial design. While its long wheelbase and wide rear tire require more deliberate counter-steering than a standard Dyna or Sportster, its mechanical reliability—when maintained to these exact specs—is among the highest in the Twin Cam era. It remains a blue-chip investment for collectors of the Softail platform.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)